Targeting a specific process in pancreatic cancer to improve treatment outcomes
Official title: Macropinocytosis Inhibition as a Glutamine Mimetic Sensitization Strategy in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10990805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells use a nutrient called glutamine and how blocking a specific process can make a treatment called DON work better, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $561,077 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA272433-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pancreatic cancer cells utilize glutamine and how inhibiting a process called macropinocytosis can enhance the effectiveness of a treatment using a compound known as DON. The study aims to understand the metabolic adaptations of cancer cells and how blocking certain pathways can make tumors more susceptible to therapy. By exploring the relationship between glutamine and asparagine in cancer cell survival, the researchers hope to develop a new strategy to combat pancreatic cancer. Patients may be involved in trials that test this innovative approach to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting metabolic pathways in cancer is a growing field, this specific approach of inhibiting macropinocytosis in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Commisso, Cosimo — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Commisso, Cosimo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.